"The Heart of a Mother"

Call to Worship  (inspired by Psalm 31)

May the face of the Lord shine on us and on all creation. We gather to give thanks for God’s steadfast love. With one voice, we offer our gratitude for God’s leading hand.  With open hands we reach for the deliverance the Lord offers all who call upon the Strong One. Standing in confidence, we turn to prayer.

Opening Prayer

Rock and Refuge, even in the face of challenging times, we rejoice as we turn to you in this hour of worship.   We find security in your presence.  We celebrate, for you save us in your steadfast love. Thank you for time to focus on you and all you provide    as we seek to live as disciples of your beloved Son, the Resurrected Christ,    in whose name we pray,  AMEN

Moment for Stewardship

"As we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let us remember the words of Proverbs 3:9-10: 'Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.' May we give generously and joyfully, knowing that God will provide for all our needs."

This passage is a call to honor God with our possessions. It begins with the command to honor the Lord with our wealth, which acknowledges that all we have comes from God. The word "wealth", which refers to abundance or sufficiency, indicating that it's not just our money but also our possessions, time, and abilities that we are called to honor God with. The next phrase, "with the firstfruits of all your produce," reinforces the idea of giving God our best. In ancient Israel, the firstfruits were the initial crops of the harvest that were offered to God in gratitude for His provision. This is a call to give to God first, before anything else. The passage ends with a promise of abundance. When we give our best to God, we can trust that He will provide for us abundantly. The phrase "your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine" speaks to God's provision and abundance when we trust Him with our resources. In summary, Proverbs 3:9-10 calls us to honor God with our possessions, give Him our best, and trust in His provision and abundance. Prayer Dear God, We come before you today with grateful hearts, thanking you for your goodness and mercy in our lives. As we reflect on the words of Proverbs 31:25-31, we are reminded of the noble character of a virtuous woman and how she embodies so many of the qualities that we desire in our own lives. Help us to be women of strength and dignity, who are clothed in wisdom and grace. May we be women who speak with kindness and wisdom, who are hardworking and diligent, and who seek to serve and bless others in all that we do. As we give our offerings today, we ask that you bless them and use them for your glory. May they be a reflection of our desire to honor you and serve your kingdom, and may they bring hope and joy to those in need. Thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve you. May our lives be a testimony to your grace and goodness, now and forevermore. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. Proverbs 31:25-31 New International Version 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. “The Heart of a Mother”

I. Introduction

A mother's heart is immeasurably valuable and priceless. It is a heart that is filled with unconditional love, selflessness, compassion, and devotion. A mother's heart reflects the very heart of God, who loves and cares for His children with a love that is beyond comprehension. A mother's heart is the source of comfort, strength, and encouragement for her children, as she guides them through life's challenges and triumphs. The value of a mother's heart is immeasurable, as it is the foundation of a loving and nurturing home, and the legacy that she leaves behind for generations to come.

A mother is a female parent or guardian who gives birth to or raises and nurtures a child or children. Motherhood is a complex and multi-faceted role that involves physical, emotional, and social responsibilities. A mother's role can vary depending on culture, tradition, and individual circumstances, but generally includes providing love, care, protection, and guidance to her children. Mothers often sacrifice their own needs and desires for the well-being and happiness of their children.

Motherhood is one of the most important roles that a woman can play in life. The love, sacrifice, and dedication of a mother cannot be compared to anything else in the world. A mother's heart is a treasure that cannot be bought, replaced, or replicated.

Motherhood is a beautiful and challenging journey that requires a lot of patience, dedication, and love. Today we will be looking at Proverbs 31:25-31, which describes a mother who is a strong and virtuous woman. This passage highlights the qualities of a mother who has a heart for her family, her community, and her God.

In this sermon, we will explore the value of a mother's heart and how it is priceless and irreplaceable.

I. A Mother's Strength (v. 25) "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."

In this verse, the author describes a woman of noble character, who is highly respected in her community. The phrase "clothed with strength and dignity" emphasizes her inner character, which is characterized by moral and emotional fortitude. The phrase "laughs without fear of the future" suggests that she is not afraid of the unknown, because she trusts in God and has confidence in her abilities.

The idea of being "clothed" with something implies that it is an essential part of a person's identity, and cannot be easily removed. In this case, the woman's strength and dignity are an integral part of who she is, and they are visible to others in the way she carries herself and interacts with those around her.

The phrase "without fear of the future"is significant because it suggests that this woman's faith and confidence in God allow her to face the future with courage and optimism. She is not consumed by worry or anxiety, but trusts that God will guide and protect her in whatever lies ahead.

Overall, Proverbs 31:25 celebrates the inner strength and courage of a woman of noble character, who is respected and admired for her virtues and her trust in God.

illustration for Proverbs 31:25:

Imagine a single mother who works long hours to provide for her children. She wakes up before dawn to prepare breakfast, get her kids ready for school, and drop them off before heading to work. She comes home late at night, exhausted, but still manages to make time for her children, helping them with homework and listening to their stories.

Despite the challenges she faces, this mother remains joyful and full of laughter. Her children know her as a source of strength and comfort, and they feel her love in every word and gesture.

This mother embodies the spirit of Proverbs 31:25, which says, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Her faith and resilience inspire those around her, and she serves as a shining example of a woman who lives with purpose and grace.

Proverbs 31:25 says, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." This verse teaches us about the character of a virtuous woman who is confident, capable, and full of joy.

As followers of Christ, we should strive to cultivate these same qualities in our own lives. We can be strong and dignified by putting our trust in God and seeking His wisdom and guidance. We can have confidence in our abilities and the purpose that God has for our lives.

Additionally, we can choose to have a joyful outlook on life, even in the face of uncertainty or difficult circumstances. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can rest in the knowledge that He has a plan for our lives and that everything will work out for our ultimate good.

Let us be inspired by the example of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:25 and seek to cultivate strength, dignity, and joy in our own lives through our faith in God.

I. A Mother's Strength (v. 25)

II. A Mother's Care (v. 26) "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

In this verse, the woman described in Proverbs 31 is characterized as wise and kind. She is not only wise in her own actions and decisions, but she also speaks with wisdom. Her words are full of understanding, knowledge, and discernment. She has a deep understanding of the world around her and can communicate that understanding to others.

Furthermore, the woman in this passage is also described as having "the teaching of kindness on her tongue."This means that her words are not only wise, but also kind and gracious. She uses her words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down. Her speech is characterized by compassion and gentleness, rather than harshness or criticism.

Overall, Proverbs 31:26 emphasizes the importance of both wisdom and kindness in a woman's life. The woman described in this passage is not only wise in her own actions and decisions, but also uses her words to impart wisdom and kindness to those around her.

illustration for Proverbs 31:26:

Imagine a woman juggling several balls at once - one for her career, one for her household chores, one for her children's needs, and one for her personal well-being. As she expertly keeps all the balls in the air, you notice that her demeanor is calm and collected. She moves with grace and ease, never dropping a ball. This is the picture of the Proverbs 31 woman described in verse 26. She is a woman who is wise and kind, and her words are full of wisdom and encouragement, helping those around her stay focused and balanced amidst the busyness of life.

This illustration highlights the importance of having wisdom in our words and actions. It shows the value of being a calming influence in the lives of others, especially when things get hectic and overwhelming. The Proverbs 31 woman serves as a model for us to strive towards, to be a source of peace and stability in the lives of those around us.

Proverbs 31:26 highlights the importance of having wisdom and kindness in our speech. It is a reminder that as mothers, wives, and women in general, our words can have a powerful impact on those around us.

One application of this verse is to consider the way we communicate with others. Are our words gentle, kind, and uplifting? Do we speak with wisdom and tact, or do we speak in a harsh or critical way? We can use this verse as a guide to improve our communication skills and build stronger relationships with those around us.

Additionally, this verse can also be applied to how we talk to ourselves. Often, we are our own harshest critics, and we can speak to ourselves in a negative way. But if we cultivate wisdom and kindness in our inner dialogue, we can build up our own self-esteem and confidence.

Overall, Proverbs 31:26 is a reminder of the power of our words and the importance of speaking with wisdom and kindness in all areas of our lives.

I. A Mother's Strength (v. 25)

II. A Mother's Care (v. 26)

III. A Mother's Character (v. 27) "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."Top of Form

This verse speaks of the diligence and responsibility of the virtuous woman in managing her household. The Hebrew word for "watches over" can also be translated as "keeps an eye on" or "carefully considers." This implies that the woman is not only aware of the needs of her household, but also actively works to meet those needs.

The phrase "the bread of idleness"refers to food that is earned through laziness or inactivity. The virtuous woman does not rely on such means, but instead works hard to provide for her household.

Overall, this verse highlights the importance of diligence, responsibility, and hard work in managing a household. The virtuous woman does not shirk her duties or rely on others to take care of her family, but instead takes an active role in ensuring that her household is well-managed and provided for.

illustration for Proverbs 31:27:

A mother who manages her household well can be compared to a skilled orchestra conductor. Just as a conductor directs a symphony, ensuring that each musician plays their part in harmony, a mother directs her household, ensuring that everything is in order, and everyone is cared for.

Just as a conductor must study the score, rehearse with the musicians, and adjust along the way, a mother must study her family's needs, communicate with her children and spouse, and adjust as needed to ensure a well-run household.

And just as a well-conducted symphony brings joy and beauty to all who hear it, a well-managed household brings peace and happiness to all who live in it.

Proverbs 31:27 states, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." This verse reminds us of the importance of being responsible and diligent in managing our household and personal affairs.

One application of this verse is the need for us to prioritize and manage our time wisely. We should be mindful of our daily activities and ensure that we are using our time productively to achieve our goals and fulfill our responsibilities. Whether it is caring for our families, working to provide for them, or serving in our communities, we should approach our tasks with a sense of purpose and commitment.

Another application of this verse is the importance of being proactive in our approach to life. Just as the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is described as watching over her household, we too should be vigilant in taking care of our responsibilities and anticipating potential challenges or problems. By being proactive and acting before issues arise, we can prevent problems from becoming bigger and more difficult to handle.

Overall, Proverbs 31:27 teaches us to be diligent, responsible, and proactive in managing our lives and fulfilling our responsibilities.

I. A Mother's Strength (v. 25)

II. A Mother's Care (v. 26)

III. A Mother's Character (v. 27)

In Conclusion: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This verse emphasizes the respect and honor that the virtuous woman has earned from her family. She is not only a good wife but also a loving mother, and her children appreciate and value her. Her husband recognizes and praises her worth, and their relationship is a partnership of mutual respect and admiration.

The reason why the virtuous woman is so respected: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." The woman's excellence is not just in comparison to other women but in absolute terms. Her character, accomplishments, and dedication make her stand out as an exceptional person.

True beauty comes from inner qualities: "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." The virtuous woman's fear of the Lord is the foundation of her character and actions. Her inner beauty and godliness make her worthy of praise.

The enduring legacy of the virtuous woman: "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." The "fruit of her hands" refers to the tangible results of her hard work and dedication. Her legacy is not just in her immediate family but in the wider community. Her good deeds and character speak for themselves and are a testament to her faithfulness and diligence.

Illustration for Proverbs 31:28-31:

A mother who has dedicated herself to raising her children and supporting her husband is like a beacon of light in a dark world. Her family and friends see the evidence of her love, sacrifice, and character, and they cannot help but admire and respect her. Even strangers who encounter her are affected by her kindness and grace. When her life is done, her legacy lives on in the memories of those whose lives she touched. She leaves a mark on the world that cannot be erased.

Application for Proverbs 31:28-31:

We can learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 by prioritizing our relationships and our character. Like her, we should strive to be good spouses, parents, and friends, and to cultivate a fear of the Lord that guides our choices and actions. We should not be deceived by outward appearances but seek to develop inner beauty that will last a lifetime. And we should live our lives in such a way that our works and deeds will speak for themselves, leaving a legacy of love and faithfulness for those who come after us.

The heart of a mother is a heart of love, compassion, and sacrifice. She is a beacon of hope and strength to her family and community. May we honor and appreciate the mothers in our lives, and may we learn from their example of love and devotion. Above all, may we recognize the ultimate source of a mother's strength and character, which comes from her relationship with God.

Benediction

May the Lord bless you and keep you, May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

As you go from here, remember the words of Proverbs 31:30, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." May you strive to fear the Lord and live a life worthy of His calling. Amen.